Ch 5: Absolute Monarchs in Europe
About This Chapter
Absolute Monarchs In Europe - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
Study the empires and leaders of Europe, starting with mid-17th century empires through the Spanish Golden Age. The fun and concise videos in this chapter explore the rise of Austria and decline of Spain, Russia's origins and the 30 Years' War. Get an introduction to key figures of this period, including Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great and Louis XIV. When you've watched all the lessons in this chapter, you'll understand:
- Timeline of Prussia's creation
- Competing powers in Spain
- Expansion of France
- Westernization of Russia
- English Civil War
- Great Britain's creation
Video | Objective |
---|---|
Old Empires in the Mid-17th Century: History, Timeline & Characteristics | Delve into the Central and Eastern European empires and their characteristics. Get details on the Ottoman Empire and the Holy Roman Empire. |
The Rise of Austria & Strengthening of the Hapsburg Monarchy: Lesson & Quiz | Summarize Austria's rise to power, and describe the leaders and government of this state as well as its expansion. |
The Creation of Prussia: History & Timeline | Study the Prussian military and leaders and outline the events that led to Prussia's creation. |
The Decline of Spain & Emergence of Competing Powers: History & Quiz | Find out why Spain's power declined. Witness the fight to replace Spain as Europe's leading power. |
The Rise of the Dutch Republic & Their Golden Age: History & Timeline | Examine the Dutch Republic's fight for independence and rise to power. Observe the practices that caused their Golden Age. |
The Reign of Louis XIV in France: Accomplishments & Influence | Explore the changes made under Louis XIV's reign. Determine why he was considered the most influential leader of early France. |
French Expansion Under Louis XIV: Conflicts, Lesson & Quiz | Analyze the wars and territorial claims that Louis XIV used to expand his kingdom. |
The 30 Years War: Catholics vs. Protestants | Get the details on this religious war and its many phases. |
Westphalia and Peace of Augsburg: States' Rise to Sovereignty and Decline of the Empire | Discover the events that led to the decline of the Holy Roman Empire. Describe the states' rise to power. |
Ivan the Terrible and the Making of Russia | Study the violent acts of this leader of Russia. Learn about his accomplishments and his influence on the future of Russia. |
Peter the Great & the Westernization of Russia: Facts, History & Quiz | Explore the reign of Peter the Great and assess the government policies and reforms he initiated. |
The English Civil War: Summary, Causes, Effects & Timeline | Examine the causes of the English Civil War and get an overview of the events that took place during the war. |
The English Civil War and the Rise of Cromwell's Theocracy | Detail the events that led to Cromwell's rise. |
The Restoration of a Limited Monarchy in England: Definition & History | Discover the reasons Charles II was restored to the throne and the lasting impact of the constitutional monarchy. |
The Creation of Great Britain & The English Bill of Rights | Explore the events of the Glorious Revolution and events that led to Great Britain's creation. |
The Partition of Poland: History, Timeline & Causes | Outline the reasons for Poland's collapse and partitioning. |
The Spanish Golden Age: Growth of Power & the Arts | Study Charles V's empire, Philip II's role in Spain's growth of power and the arts and culture of the Spanish Golden Age. |

1. Old Empires in the Mid-17th Century: History, Timeline & Characteristics
During the 17th century, major empires controlled Central and Eastern Europe: the Holy Roman Empire, Poland, and the Ottoman Empire. Explore the history and characteristics of these old empires and a timeline of each empire's rule.

2. The Rise of Austria & Strengthening of the Hapsburg Monarchy
In the mid-17th century, the Hapsburg family in Austria focused control over their individual state instead of their part in the Holy Roman Empire. Learn about the Peace of Westphalia, the rule of Leopold I, control of Hungary, the Ottoman Sars, Westward Expansion, and Austria under Charles VI.

3. The Creation of Prussia: History & Timeline
From the 17th to 18th centuries, Prussian rulers consolidated power, made improvements, and strengthened the military. Explore the creation and historical timeline of Prussia, and understand the Hohenzollern family's role in its rise from divided states to a major power.

4. The Decline of Spain & Emergence of Competing Powers
In the 17th century, Spain was the most powerful country in Europe, but its status began to decline due to a series of bad decisions by its kings caused bureaucratic and economic issues. Learn how engaging in ill-advised wars led to the decline of Spain and the emergence of competing powers in Europe, such as France, Great Britain, and the Dutch Republic.

5. The Rise of the Dutch Republic & Their Golden Age: History & Timeline
During the 16th century, the Dutch Republic emerged as a powerful economic entity and the time is known as the Dutch Golden Age. Learn how the Dutch Republic fought for its independence from Habsburg Spain to achieve economic growth, external expansion, and success in society and the arts.

6. The Reign of Louis XIV in France: Accomplishments & Influence
King Louis XIV was one of the most influential kings in French history. Learn about his reign, how he handled the Fronde rebellions and centralized the monarch's authority, and then explore the French court and culture of the era.

7. French Expansion Under Louis XIV: Conflicts & Overview
French expansion under Louis XIV involved Louis' efforts to increase territory for the French throne. Explore an overview of the French expansion and learn about 17th-century France, the War of Devolution, the Dutch Wars, the War of the Grand Alliance, and the War of Spanish Succession.

8. The 30 Years' War: Catholics vs. Protestants
The 30 Years' War ended with the Peace of Westphalia and the diminished power of the Habsburg Dynasty. Learn about this war between Catholics and Protestants by following a timeline of its four phases: Bohemian, Danish, Swedish, and French.

9. Westphalia and Peace of Augsburg: States' Rise to Sovereignty and Decline of the Empire
During the Reformation, several events throughout Europe challenged the power and domination of the Holy Roman Empire. Learn about concessions made to Protestant demands by the Holy Roman Empire as a result of treaties called the Peace of Augsburg and the Peace of Westphalia, and discover how it led to the rise of state sovereignty and the decline of the empire.

10. Ivan the Terrible and the Making of Russia
Ivan the Terrible was one of Russia's most controversial rulers. Learn more about Ivan's reign as the first tsar and how he made Russia into a centralized, militant empire.

11. Peter the Great & the Westernization of Russia: Facts & History
Peter the Great was a Russian monarch who implemented various projects that ultimately led to the westernization of Russia. Learn about the early life of Czar Peter I and significant facts about the history of Peter the Great's westernization of Russia.

12. The English Civil War: Summary, Causes, Effects & Timeline
The English Civil War began a historical precedent in the way the monarchs are seen in Western Europe. In this lesson, explore a summary of the causes, effects, and timeline of the war, including some background information, Charles' Era of Personal Rule, the First and Second Phases, and the aftermath.

13. The Restoration of a Limited Monarchy in England: Definition & History
Restoring the form of government in England to a limited monarchy occurred during the 17th century. An alternating power struggle between monarchy versus parliamentary rule ensued over decades of civil and political unrest. Learn about the ousting and execution of King Charles I, and the rise and fall of both the Rump Parliament and Protectorate.

14. The Creation of Great Britain & The English Bill of Rights
During the Stuart period (1600s to early 1700s), the Parliament was vital to the creation of Great Britain. Explore the key events, such as the Glorious Revolution in England, English Bill of Rights, and Act of Union, and important figures, including James II and William.

15. The Partition of Poland: History, Timeline & Causes
By the late 18th century, Poland was partitioned three times and into non-existence by the three major European powers: Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Explore the historical background, causes, and timeline of the three-part Partition of Poland.

16. The Spanish Golden Age: Growth of Power & the Arts
The Spanish Golden Age was characterized by the growth of power and a flourishing of the arts. Explore this period in Spain's history under the reigns of Charles V and Philip II, and identify their contributions that brought about this golden age.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the World History II course
- Europe's Age of Exploration
- The Protestant Reformation
- The Elizabethan Era in Europe
- European Colonialism
- Empire and Expansion in the 18th Century
- The Asian World (1368-1911)
- The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
- The French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte
- Nationalist Revolutions Across the World
- Industrialization in the Western World
- European Life & Trends
- Imperialism in the 19th-20th Centuries
- Global Transformations in the Early 20th Century
- World War I: Battles & Diplomacy
- Revolution & Nationalism in Asia
- Crisis & Depression Between the World Wars
- World War II: European & Pacific Theaters
- Restructuring the World After World War II
- The Spread of Democracy Across the World
- Europe & the United States After 1945
- Latin America after 1945
- Africa & the Middle East After 1945
- Asia & the Pacific After 1945
- Contemporary Global Concerns